Tennessee’s Tony Vitello reportedly ‘torn’ over historic Giants managerial opportunity

San Francisco Giants appeared to be all-in on Tony Vitello, a move that would have been monumental had it happened. The Giants clearly like what Vitello preaches, and Buster Posey in particular seems enamored with the Tennessee head coach. Although no official decision has been made, Vitello reportedly approached Posey with the idea of ​​beating the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“He's the guy who probably convinced Buster Posey he could beat the Dodgers,” an industry source said. “I have no doubt he came in and said it. Just give me the horses.”

If Vitello does move to San Francisco, it will be an unprecedented move. However, he was still in Tennessee on Sunday, attending Volunteers training in Knoxville. That's because Vitello is genuinely torn between staying with the program he developed or accepting what many consider their dream job.

“I don't think anyone understands how strange it is that Tony Vitello didn't immediately accept the offer to become an MLB manager. For a college coach to even think about staying shows how upset he is with the decision. The Giants are a good organization with perhaps the best park in the world,” he said. wrote WBIR's Wes Rucker.

Vitello faces what may be the most difficult decision of his life. It won't be easy.

“It's hard to imagine many college coaches who wouldn't take that offer and rip the hand off the guy who extended it to them. Vitello loves Knoxville. He loves UT. It's HARD for him.” Rucker wrote.

Vitello is simply the best thing to happen to Tennessee baseball in years and is well-liked there. However, the Giants are a truly attractive destination. He is expected to make a final decision within the next day or two.

This entire situation represents a calculated risk for the Giants. If Vitello is hired, it would represent a leap that no one in MLB has ever made. But if he turns them down, the Giants will be wasting valuable time waiting, which could cause them to miss out on other highly sought-after prospects.

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